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William Bergeron Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Bergeron
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Kevin M Moravek
July 13, 2021
One understands the impact of the life of Bill Bergeron whe one examines the successes of his students, players and fellow coaches. He taught values.
Joseph Marcucilli
January 20, 2014
I thought of him as a quiet, dignified man who exhibited a level of integrity rare today.
Tony Socci
February 18, 2013
Dear Mrs. Bergeron and Betsy, I may have know that Coach died but I never wrote to either of you until today. Someone asked me if anyone every made a difference in my life, and the first person I thought of was Mr. Bergeron. He was an excellent teacher as well as a passionate coach. He was a molder of men and a creator of courage, and he didn't or wouldn't accept any excuses. I know I told him this once I had stopped into Vals, but I felt you should hear it as well. Rest in peace Coach.
SMHS Class of 84
Richard Noth
September 8, 2011
Mr. Bergeron was a great human being. It was an honor to know him and a joy to play football for him.
Class of 1966
Kevin Moravek
February 10, 2011
Dear Joan & Betsy,
I just learned of Bill's passing. I am deeply saddened. When I first came to St Mary he invited me into your home to stay until I found a place of my own. He was the most honest man I knew and a worthy mentor for young men and at least one young coach. Bill, Pete Gas and I felt like family and worked as a real team. I will miss him
Tracy Brennan Graham
September 10, 2010
Dear Mrs. Bergeron and Betsy: I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Bergeron was a wonderful man, a dedicated teacher and coach. He left a beautiful legacy in his loving family and all of his students and players who loved him so much. You are both in my prayers. Love
Paul Cecio
August 12, 2010
I realized as I got older how lucky we were to have Mr. Berg as a teacher and a coach. "For all intents and purposes" I am honored to have been his student...'78
Meg Gianesello
August 3, 2010
Dear Betsy and Mrs. Bergeron,
It is with deep sadness that I heard of Mr. Bergeron's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Bergeron was the rock upon which St. Mary's was built. He was the coach that everyone knew would have his team fight until the very end.
Betsy - I will never forget the story you told of your Dad coaching baseball and his team having the lead heading into the bottom of the last inning. He believed SMHS had the game won and had the bat boy put all the bats away. Lo and behold the home team came back to beat St. Mary and from then on, the bats were never put away until the game was finished.
Love, Meg Gianesello Class of '80
John McNamee
July 27, 2010
Very sorry to read about Mr. Bergeron's passing. He was my first football coach & I feel lucky to have learned the game from him. He also inspired my love for history. He will be missed.
Ken Kolb
July 27, 2010
To the Bergeron family:
I am sorry for your loss.
Bill Bergeron was a loving husband, father and teacher. His teaching was in the class room and carried over to the athletic fields as he taught people sportsmanship and character.
I was glad to hear about Mr. Bergeron's other calling as a wine expert.
I will always remember the impact he had on me with a lifetime love, understanding and respect for history and baseball.
Very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Ken Kolb
Barbara (Hughes) Gilleski
July 26, 2010
To the Bergeron Family:
I just recently heard of Mr. Bergeron's passing. It brings back memories of going to the football games and I also had Mr. Bergeron for history my junior and senior years at SMHS. My condolences and prayers go out to you..
Kyle Brewer
July 24, 2010
Mr. Berg will be sorely missed. He had a quiet confidence about him that automatically commanded respect! He always knew how to get the best out of his players. Whether it was a word of needed encouragement, or a quick kick on the backside, he made you want to win for him! Heaven is lucky to have him!
John Zuccerella
July 22, 2010
Dear Mrs. Bergeron, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Berg... I have many great memories of Mr. Berg on and off the football field. He always kept me in line and made sure I did the right thing. I will always remember him giving me a chance to prove myself as a freshman on the football field. No matter how many times I got knocked down by the seniors, he'd pull me aside and tell me not to give up. I will forever remember Mr. Berg.
Rick Bologna '87
July 19, 2010
Mr. Berg truly taught life lessons on the field and in the classroom. His no nonsense approach certainly had an effect on my life. I have even told my kids the story of his 'steal sign', and if you missed it, he just yelled STEAL! from the bench.
July 19, 2010
Mr B was a great (no bs) kinda guy. I'll never forget his booming voice and his great smile. Although it's probably been thirty years since I saw him last (probably at Vals) I'll never forget him. He was St. Mary's High. Dan Keefe '77 Tallahassee, Fl.
Nick Macaluso
July 19, 2010
Coach Berg rest in peace. Thank you for the memories. Some of the happiest days of my life were on the baseball field with you.
John Micik
July 19, 2010
I am saddened by the loss of Coach Bergeron. My condolences to his wife and daughter. He was my football coach and social sciences teacher at SMHS. He excelled at both. Those of us who were mentored by him were taught valuable lessons in the classroom and on the gridiron. I always will remember his spirited pep talk before our game against undefeated Norwalk Central Catholic H.S. on Thanksgiving Day 1966. He told us what we were capable of achieving and that we had worked hard to bring home an upset victory, which we did. Coach Bergeron always challenged us to meet or exceed his high standards and I always will be grateful for that challenge. He prepared us for life beyond high school.
Sheila (Dougherty} Marchetti
July 18, 2010
I can't think of SMHS and not think of Mr. Berg. What a wonderful and kind man who always would stop and say hello when you passed him in town.
Ann Edwards
July 18, 2010
Bill Bergeron was a wonderful man. I have wonderful memories of him from the days we both taught at SMHS. I remember him working on cross word puzzles during his break. He polished them off very quickly!
May he shine in the full glory of God after living such a good life.
Lauren Zimmitti
July 17, 2010
When I think of SMHS, I think of Mr. B. and his positive influence on so many people that he worked with in the classroom and on the field. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
sincerely, Lauren(Dougherty)Zimmitti- SMHS- 1980
Sheila Pultz-Stevenson
July 17, 2010
Dear Betsy, I just read all of the personal messages that have been posted here for your Dad. What a testament to the man, husband, father, coach, teacher and friend that he was. He lived a beautiful life and left behind a legacy of love and integrity.
My prayers are with you, Kim and your Mom. God bless,
July 17, 2010
Dear Mrs. B., Betsy, Kim and Family,
Dan & I send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father, brother, uncle.
Betsy, I have very fond memories of my visits with both your parents over the past 35 years, both at your home in Greenwich and when they visited you at Duke. Mr. B. always had a great big smile and hug ready to give. He had a great gift of making everyone feel important, that he cared for them and was interested in their pursuits, thoughts & feelings...because he truly did! I feel very honored to have known Mr. B.
May God bless you all with Peace in knowing that Mr. B. lived a good life here on earth, touching so many lives, and is now living a greater life with Jesus. May He also bless you with Joy in all your wonderful memories of a great husband and father.
With love,
Kim (Read) Dykas (aka Kimmie Jo)
July 17, 2010
I remember Mr. Bergeron fondly and offer my prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones.
Sincerely-
Roseann Bria
SMHS class of 1983
Janet Palermo Flynn
July 17, 2010
Dear Betsy and family,
My heart goes out to you. Your father was one of the reasons the Saint Mary's family is so tight-knit. He was stern but kind, and always expected the best out of his students and players. His influence will live on in all the people whose lives he touched.
Justine Savage
July 17, 2010
Dear Betsy, Kim and family....
My deepest sympathy on your loss.
July 17, 2010
Dear Betsy ("Cuz"). Sorry to hear about "Uncle Bill's" passing. Kathy (Gunnip) Ferris. [email protected]. Please contact me.
Alex Sargeant
July 16, 2010
I'm very sorry to hear this news. What a huge impact he had on all our lives. I've thought about him often over the last 25-plus years. I will never ever forget his locker room speech in the bus garage after the 1982 football win against Weston. After a 33-0 victory in which everyone learned that Joey Kipp was a real football player, we were screaming our heads off. He walked in and yelled for everyone to shut up. He only had to say it once. Pacing in front of the chalkboard in that dusty, cobwebbed barn, he told us that Weston was not a good football team. "They won't win a game all year," he said. Then he lit the fire for one of the biggest upsets anyone could remember. He said that our opponent for the next week, New Fairfield, would kill us if we played the way we had just played. They had Rich Comizio, a future Ivy League Hall-of-Famer who had run for 285 yards against us as a sophomore. Then he said the magic words. He promised that if we beat New Fairfield, he didn't care if we brought the roof down. Then he walked out with an assistant trailing behind, maybe Mike Dunster (another great coach, BTW). We won 13-12 or 14-13, I don't remember. Berg had come up with a brilliant, yet simple game plan. He made Richie McMurray a "monster back," a term we'd never heard before. His assignment was to hit Comizio whether he had the ball or not. Richie Mack did just that and we won. It was amazing, and I'll never ever forget how it felt in that old bus garage following the game. There were a lot of great locker room speeches and lessons taught by Berg that have made all the difference in who we are today and in the way we live our lives. I loved the way he simplified game plans in a way that made us competitive despite being outmatched most of the time. I'm so sorry for everyone's loss. But how lucky are we to have had him touch our lives so deeply? He was a solid rock of a good man, a great role model for just about everything. Wow. As Berg said on many occasions, "God bless us and save us."
Brian Ferber
July 16, 2010
Even in light of this sad occasion, when I think of Mr. Bergeron I have to say that it brings me a warm smile. He was a man who commanded respect and rightly deserved it. My memories of him both in the classroom and on the playing field brightened my day today. You have to feel pride that so many people remember him and share the honor that we feel by having known a truly great man. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. I look forward to seeing him again when we are all reunited when our time comes. Please accept my condolences as I know that this is such a difficult time for you and yours. My prayers are with you and Mr. B. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. B has heard those words we all hope to hear some day…”Welcome My good and faithful servant...” and has felt the loving arms of our God accepting him into his rightful place with Him.
Bill Connolly
July 16, 2010
Dear Betsy and Family-
I was privileged to have your Dad as a History teacher in '73 at SMHS, and was pleasantly surprised to see him more recently at Val's. We had a great time catching up that day, and I'll always remember his dedicated, hardworking attitude- and his great sense of humor, even after I drew him in the yearbook!
Love and prayers to the family, Bill Connolly (Class of '73)
Mike & Stacey Andrea
July 16, 2010
Dear Aunt Joan and Betsy,
Stacey and I extend our deepest sympathies on the passing of Uncle Bill. While I never played for him, I respected him as a coach. He was not just interested in winning -- which he did quite often -- but also teaching his players the importance of teamwork. He touched many lives in a positive way, and will be fondly remembered.
A Friend
July 16, 2010
Another angel guarding the gates of Heaven....OOOOORAH
Lynn Kelly
July 16, 2010
A gifted teacher, a wonderful role model...Mr. B touched so many lives. I'm privileged to have have been one of them.
Jerry Sheehan, SMHS '61
July 16, 2010
Dear Mrs. Bergeron and family,
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Bergeron's passing. He was a good man and he will be missed. He was not a teacher of mine, but perhaps more importantly, he was my football coach at St. Mary's.
A few years after my graduation from SMHS, Mr. Bergeron gave me some sage advice as I embarked on my first real job. This advice has stood by me well and is advice that I have shared with those I have been fortunate to mentor over the past years.
I am sure the football fans in Heaven will appreciate watching him drop kick!
Rest in peace.
Ed Krumeich
July 16, 2010
The Coach was a role model for all his students at St. Mary High School. For those of us who had the privilege to play for him we will never forget the lessons he taught about the importance of teamwork and perseverance in the face of adversity. He was always the consummate family man devoted to his wife and daughter. In recent years he fought a courageous battle against Parkinson's. One recent highlight was when many of his former players saluted him at an impromptu banquet at Luca's where we all were able to tell the Coach how much we admired him. I will miss seeing him around town. My mother Marie Lauricella Krumeich has known him since GHS Class of 1944 and asked me to convey her condolences.
Gus Frederick '68
July 16, 2010
Dear Mrs Bergeron & Betsy,
I never played for Coach Bill, but learned a great deal from him in the classroom during my years at SMHS. Coach always expected the best from you and you wouldn't dare let him down. Rest in peace, Coach.
Al Perna
July 16, 2010
Dear Mrs. Bergeron and Betsy,
I'm sorry to learn of the passing of Coach Bergeron. I had the privilege of playing for Coach for my four years at St. Mary. A finer man never paced the sidelines of a football game.
We last met in 1992 and it was then that I learned what a caring man he truly was. He took the time to attend my father's funeral and tell me how much the years together meant to him. I was over-whelmed.
I have a message to the athletes and coaches who have preceded him into heaven. It's "Katy bar the door", there's a new coach in town and he's "Hell-Bent for leather".
July 16, 2010
Dear Betsy, My son Bill and I send our deepest sympathy to you, your mother and your family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Felicia Maruottolo
July 16, 2010
Billy always was our best (and favorite) student ;) - Love, 'Tiffany Terfeans and Loretta Lazioni'
Barbara Lupo
July 16, 2010
Dear Mrs. B., Betsey, and Kim,
Mr. Bergeron was not only an inspiration to me when I attended SMHS but also to my son,Christopher, when he attended the last graduating class at SMHS. He was a motivator with a keen understanding of how to best reach each person he came into contact with. His smile and cheery greeting always made me feel special. Whether it was meeting on the Avenue or in Val's,Mr. B. always had that winning smile. The world is a better place because he inhabited it for too short a stay.
July 16, 2010
Dear Joan and Betsy, Joann and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful example to all of us. He was the ultimate Coach, teacher and mentor to me. We are all fortunate to have known him. May he rest in peace.
Peter and Joann Borchetta
Chris Davala
July 16, 2010
Joan and Betsy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. The SMHS Class of 1965 was honored to have Coach Bergeron as a special guest at our 45th reunion on June 5th. As he spoke to us that night, Bill was as "rock solid", classy, and witty, as he was teaching us American History and coaching baseball and football those many years ago. He was, as they say, "the complete package" and we are the better for having him as an unforgettable role model and "life-coach." Bill will be missed but never forgotten.
Rich Dunster
July 16, 2010
Dear Mrs. Bergeron and Betsy,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Bergeron. I am very lucky to have spent those many years together at SMHS. My brothers and I have often talked about those days and we all have fond memories of him. I am so sorry that I will not be around to personally tell you how wonderful he was. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
July 16, 2010
To the Bergeron Family, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of the Coach. I was one of his many players in High School and learned more than sports from him . I learned how to conduct myself as a man and parent. There was no finer man I ever met.
Hon. William J Giacomo JSC
Bob DeBona
July 16, 2010
Dear Joan & Betsy -
I was dismayed to learn today of the passing of Coach Bergeron. My family and I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the both of you and to your family.
As I reflect back on my years at St. Mary's HS I can't help but think that life may have turned out very differently for me had I not had the good fortune to have had Coach B. keeping me in line in the classroom and teaching, motivating and supporting me on the athletic field.
While we always managed to win more than our fair share of games under Coach B., he taught us all how to win and how to lose with dignity…more importantly he taught us that how we conducted ourselves on the field carried over into how we lived our lives…his lessons have certainly served me well over the years…and they will serve my children and their children well for years to come.
Nancy Plump Lewis
July 15, 2010
To Mrs. B, Betsy, Kim and the entire family....may your happy memories of Mr. B and the tributes of those whose lives he touched bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. He was truly a special man who made a difference in so many lives...he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 15, 2010
Mrs. Bergeron & Betsy:
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Bergeron's passing. He was such a large part of the happy times at SMHS. May you find comfort in your memories & the prayers of all those who are thinking of you at this time.
Debra Ruttkamp-Donovan (SMHS-1976)
July 15, 2010
Mrs. Bergeron and family. Mr. Bergeron was a good man and a fine teacher and no one who passed through St. Mary’s will forget him.
John Shea (Brooklyn, NY)
July 15, 2010
Mrs. Bergeron Betsy and the entire Bergeron family. You have my deepest condolences. Mr Bergeron was always a very respected and admired teacher. We met in Greenwich about 4 years ago. I am glad I got to see him. Mr Bergeron was a great coach and teacher but most of all he was a good person. I will miss him. Michael Caravella Class of 1968 ( (Woodstock CT )
Jack Scully
July 15, 2010
Bill Bergeron taught my American History class at St. Mary's in 1963-64. In remembering him today, I recall the Monday after JFK's assassination. He read us a column from the New York Times eulogizing the late president. When Bill's eyes welled with tears halfway through the reading, I realized for the first time that America had lost something special. Today in reading Bill's extraordinary obituary, I sadly realize again that another exceptional life has ended.
July 15, 2010
Dear Joan and Betsy---
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good friend---not to mention an outstanding baseball and football coach. When I was at Central Catholic, and Bill was at St.Mary's, the football stadium was packed every Thanksgiving Day---and it wasn't Thanksgiving without having attended the St. Mary's vs. Central Catholic football game in the morning .
Zeke and I umpired many baseball games for Bill and there wasn't a better coach around. The athletes at St. Mary's were very fortunate to have Bill on the staff. My wife Flo taught there too and it was a pleasure for her to be on the St. Mary's staff with him.
While it's sad that he is gone, our prayers are with him. I know that you and Betsy will miss him terribly but I am sure he is in a much better place. May he rest in peace.
Lou and Flo Orlando
Naples, FL.
July 15, 2010
Mrs Bergeron & Betsy: All the Rourkes send their best wishes. Tom Rourke
Kevin&Cathy Perna
July 15, 2010
Mrs. Bergeron and Family, our prayers and best wishes to everyone in your family and also the Saint Marys Family.I will always remember ciach in the classroom, but most of all the football field. He made men out of boys and tought us about life as much as football,for that i will be forever thankfull. May he rest in peace...72' 73'
Dan and Lucy Lanterna Sargeant
July 15, 2010
The incredible positive and permanent impact he made on the lives of his students, players, family members, and everyone he met, is a testimony to a great man. May you have peace that his life was such an exceptional influence on us all. Thank you, Betsy and Mrs. B, for sharing him with us. Our sympathies to you and the family,
Skip Lanterna
July 15, 2010
Joan and Betsy,
From Babe Ruth League through High School, Bill was a friend and mentor to so many. He taught us all alot about baseball and about life.
July 15, 2010
Mrs. Bergeron and Betsy. Our prayers and best wishes to your family. I have such fond memories of Bill during my years at St. Mary's. He was an inspiration to Maureen and myself. I still think of him often as I continue to coach. God Bless. Tony&Maureen Pastore
Michael A. Quinn
July 15, 2010
I got to know Bill over thirty years ago. He was an exceptional person. His passing is a great loss.
July 15, 2010
Bill was one of the greats. His positive influence and "can do" attitude helped me a great deal during and after St Mary High. He will be missed.
John Ryan
John Cambere
July 15, 2010
Rest in Peace coach! You were one of only two coaches/teachers in HS that made a difference in my life. Thank you .
class of '68
July 15, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers are with you all! Bill will be remembered as a wonderful man, father and coach. He taught so many of us "life lessons" through his interaction with each of us throughout our HS careers.
Doreen Brosnahan Mullin
Kathleen Saba McGouldrick
July 15, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gloria Sinaguglia, Stamford High School
July 15, 2010
Dear Betsy,
My sincerest condolences on your loss. I certainly understand what a difficult and sad time this is for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May your faith and the strength of your love for each other help you through these days.
Sincerely,
John Stella
July 15, 2010
So sorry for your family's loss. He was a great teacher and friend! He added joy to my time at St. Mary's
Sharon Brosnahan-Rutledge
July 15, 2010
Dear Betsy,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It was so special to Doreen and I when he attended my Mom's wake in January. His presence brought back fond memories and his smile warmed our hearts.
May you gain peace and strength as you move forward in the next days and months holding your memories of him forever close in your heart.
With Love,
Sharon Brosnahan-Rutledge
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